American legacy automaker General Motors (GM), Pilot Travel Centers, and EVgo proudly announced the opening of the first electric vehicle charging stations of their nationwide network on Tuesday, November 5.
“As GM continues to advance its vision of an all-electric future, we’re collaborating broadly to accelerate access to convenient charging at home and on the go, offering additional confidence to prospective single vehicle customers considering an EV. This new network will provide EV drivers with a quality charging experience and greater peace of mind during road trips.”
Wade Sheffer, GM Energy VP
Announcement details
According to the press release, the three major companies officially launched the first 17 charging stations of their planned fast-charging network across the United States.
The project’s initial phase covered 13 US states, offering up to 350 kW fast-charging experience with Pilot and Flying J’s special amenities. Many stations across the network offer canopies, pull-through stalls for EV towing, restrooms, food, and wifi access. In addition, they also support Plug and Charge integration for more convenient charging transactions.
“EV drivers are eager for a better charging experience and to have more charging locations along America’s most traveled corridors. These new charging locations and the many more to come, will be critical for improving range confidence. As interest in EVs continues to grow, we believe our network can be a catalyst to getting more EV drivers on the road.”
Adam Wright, Pilot Travel Centers LLC CEO
Targets
The partners aim to increase the number of charging stations to at least 25 Pilot and Flying J travel hubs by the end of the year.
They further plan to expand the fast-charging network to about 200 locations by the end of 2024.
These charging stations will eventually have a maximum of 2,000 high-power fast charging stalls at up to 500 Pilot and Flying J travel centers in the country.
“EVgo is committed to delivering a convenient, reliable, and customer-centric charging experience. With robust amenities, optimal corridor locations, high-power charging and more, our collaboration with GM and Pilot Company puts drivers first and boosts range confidence for every EV traveler on the road.”
Dennis Kish, EVgo Chief Operating Officer
Government support
Green Car Reports asserted that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s $7.5 billion of funding partially fueled GM-Pilot-EVgo’s charging network development in the US.
The companies clarified that their own investments funded the concept, but they still designed the project to benefit from federal and state grants and utility programs.
Excitingly, the project proponents plan to launch exclusive benefits for GM car owners, such as charger reservations and discounts.
Charging infrastructure development projects are undoubtedly among the key strategies to boost electric vehicle adoption in the US further. With enough charging stations, drivers never need to worry about their battery range in the future.
